Course Title: Engineering and Technology in Ancient India

Course Code:ET -001

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate / Postgraduate (Elective)

Course Description:

This course explores the rich heritage of engineering, technology, and scientific thought in Vedic and post-Vedic India. Based on the seminal work of Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya, it investigates the philosophical, textual, and empirical foundations of ancient Indian engineering practices, including civil, mechanical, metallurgical, hydraulic, and environmental technologies. Emphasis is placed on the integration of scientific rationality with spiritual and ecological wisdom.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the foundations of engineering sciences in Vedic literature

Identify technological advancements in ancient India with textual references

Critically assess the scientific content of hymns from the Vedas, Brāhmaṇas, and Śstras

Explore indigenous systems of measurement, construction, and design

Re-examine the relevance of ancient Indian technological wisdom for sustainable development

Modules & Weekly Schedule:

Module I: Introduction to Indian Engineering Heritage (Week 1)

Overview of ancient Indian sciences

Vedas as a source of technical knowledge

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 1 (pp. 1–10)

Module II: Civil and Structural Engineering in the Vedic Age (Weeks 2–3)

Urban planning in Vedic towns

Design of altars (vedis), dwellings, forts

Concepts of ‘Vāstu’ and Shilpaśāstra

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 2 and 3

Sāyana Bhāṣya on Ṣulbasūtras

Module III: Mechanical and Instrumental Technologies (Weeks 4–5)

Machines (yantras) in Vedic texts

Gears, pulleys, levers in mythology and practice

Warfare technology: bows, chariots, armor

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 4 and 5

Module IV: Metallurgy and Material Sciences (Week 6)

Extraction and usage of metals (gold, iron, copper)

Techniques of smelting, alloying, purification

Notable artifacts (Iron Pillar, rust-free tools)

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 6 (pp. 62–79)

Module V: Hydraulics and Water Management. (Weeks 7–8)

Wells, canals, irrigation systems

Water lifting devices (ghṝapiyantra, cakkavāṇ)

Sanitation, drainage, rainwater harvesting

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 7

Module VI: Environmental Engineering and Sustainability  (Weeks 9–10)

Forest management, biodiversity, Vedic ecology

Agriculture and crop sciences

Energy use: solar, fire, wind references

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 8 and 9

Module VII: Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Tools, Measures & Education (Weeks 11–12)

Ancient Indian metrology: time, length, mass

Tools for construction and astronomy

Education systems: Gurukula, technical training

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 10–11

Module VIII: Synthesis & Modern Implications (Weeks 13–14)

Comparative overview with modern engineering

Swadeshi science and revivalism

Case studies: Modern applications of Vedic tech

Reading:

Engineering Sciences in Vedic India, Ch. 12

Required Text

Arya, Ravi Prakash. Engineering Sciences in Vedic India. Indian Foundation for Vedic Science, Latest Edition.